Where can I find a Mandarin instructor? And what's the cost?
It used to be the case that you invent a better mousetrap and the world beats a path to your door. Now it's much easier. All you have to do is let Shanghai know you need a Mandarin tutor and you'll be swamped with options. The easiest method if by asking your friends or foreign business associates for their recommendations. It's a big market, and most of us don't have time to go through every tutor out there. You could also check out the classifieds on this site, which has many Mandarin tutors looking for work.
If you're serious about Mandarin study, be sure to find someone with experience. College students can be fine, as long as they prepare and focus on teaching. It's often the case, however, that classes soon degenerate into English lessons or a dating game. The best way is to interview them, ask for a lesson plan and what book they use and get them to estimate and analyze your current level.
Prices generally go from 30 to 80 RMB per hour, and can be split between the number of students in the class. Here's Michael's experience:
I went in with a few other foreigners here, and hired a college student for 80 RMB per hour (split 4 ways.) It turned out pretty well. She comes prepared with a lesson and our Chinese has definitely gotten better. I have heard people paying as little as 30 RMB per hour.
